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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Simon Goodley

Insolvent UK recruiter acquired by previous owner who took millions out

People walk past HMRC offices in Whitehall, London.
Premier Group Recruitment was acquired by a venture created by the previous owner, Andrew Woosnam, in a deal that appears to be the latest example of ‘phoenixism’. Photograph: Robert Evans/Alamy

An insolvent UK recruitment company, which owes the UK exchequer hundreds of thousands of pounds, has been acquired for an initial £10,000 by a venture created by the previous owner – despite him receiving millions from the business in its final three years.

Premier Group Recruitment went into administration this month with debts of £2.9m – including £647,000 owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which had commenced enforcement proceedings against the company. The recruiter’s assets were acquired three days later by a new company, PGGBR Ltd, founded by Andrew Woosnam, Premier’s 99% shareholder.

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